Quest: The Clans of Arcadia

by Arwen Chandler

  She sighed. “So, for now, we have no home.”

  Karn pulled her into his lap. “We’ll find a place to call our own.” He kissed her hair.

  She wiped a tear from her eye. “I know. It’s just waiting is hard.”

  Ian stood up and crossed over to the railing that lined the quarters. “Everything is hard, and nothing is ever as it seems.”

  Lilia slid up beside him. “Ian something is on your mind. Tell us.”

  “It’s Dierdriel.”

  Lilia knit her brows. “The woman who held Karn captive?”

  “Yes.” He squeezed the railing underneath his hands until his knuckles turned white.

  “What about her?”

  Karn joined them at the rail.

  “She wants to leave with us.” Ian glanced at Karn.

  Karn shook his head. “What makes her think we’d take her with us after holding me hostage?”

  Ian turned. “I guess because she knows you’re a just man.”

  Lilia rested a hand on Ian’s arm. “Why does she want to leave?”

  Ian shrugged. “I’m not sure. She and her mother have been at odds for years, and I think she’s just ready to start a new life.”

  Lilia ran her hand through her hair. “Ian, she should be free to choose her own life, but going against the Queen, it’s not a good idea.”

  Karn lifted his brow. “What happened to the woman who argued to free the man Aerwyna planned to sacrifice?”

  She huffed. “That’s different. It was life and death. Dierdriel has committed crimes. She stole the Queen’s pegacorn, and she stole you.” She turned back to the couch and plopped down.

  Karn sat beside her. “Lilia, meet with her and let me know what you think. If you believe she deserves our help, I will do my best to help her.”

  Lilia pursed her lips. “Very well. I’ll do it for you, and to cheer up Ian.”

  Lilia sat on the three-legged stool in front of Dierdriel’s cell. “You’re the woman who stole my chosen?”

  Dierdriel shrugged. “Yes.”

  Lilia narrowed her eyes. “You don’t look hostile, but you held a knife to my love’s throat.”

  Dierdriel stepped up to the bars. “And, I’d do it again if it got me an audience with my mother.” She crossed her arms.

  Lilia tucked a hair behind her ear. “You can’t go around kidnapping people, Dierdriel, especially if you want to travel with us.”

  Dierdriel’s eyes brightened. “You’re considering taking me with you?”

  Lilia nodded. “If I can find out why you want to leave this island.”

  Tears filled Dierdriel’s eyes. “Did Ian tell you of Zale?”

  Lilia shook her head. “No. He told me nothing.”

  She sighed. “Zale was a human. He and I loved each other very much and together we had a child.” She swallowed the tears. “My mother stole the child in the night and sent him to the mainland to live with the dragon people.”

  Lilia stifled a sob. “She took your child?”

  Dierdriel nodded. “Yes. He would be about your age now, and I want to find him.”

  Lilia stood. She stared out the barred window that poured light into Dierdriel’s cell. “That changes things.” She studied Dierdriel’s face and sighed. “We’ll help you, and you’ll leave with us. I’ll make sure of it.”

  Joy filled Dierdriel’s face. “Thank you, Lilia.”

  Lilia turned to leave and called back behind her. “Don’t give up hope, Dierdriel. We’ll find your son. The Brethren of the Dragoni keep meticulous records; if a child was taken there to live, I’m certain the elder will know about it.”

  Chapter Twenty-five

  TRIAL

  Training complete, Aslaug followed Avila into the city of Raersharc-ellen. The feast of the Loch-rognaif was set to begin at sundown. Her heart beat wildly, as she considered her future, and the importance she would have as the first dragon of the riders. Pride swelled in her chest, and she blew fire from her mouth into the open air.

  Avila laughed. “Contain yourself little one. You’ll set the forest on fire.”

  Aslaug hung her head. “Yes, elder.”

  Avila made her descent with Aslaug close on her heels, and the trees parted as they hit the top of the canopy. Aslaug landed with a thud on the cobblestone street beside Avila.

  Karn stood waiting and rushed to her side once she had landed. “It’s good to see you, Aslaug.”

  Aslaug grinned, her sharp teeth poking out above her top lip.

  Karn scratched her head. “I’ve missed you.”

  Ian sauntered up beside them. “I’ve missed you too, dragon.”

  Aslaug growled, then flashed her smile. “I suppose I’ve missed you as well, human.” She narrowed her eyes and puffed smoke from her nose.

  Lilia chuckled. “My dear, you’re here!” She wrapped her arms around Aslaug’s neck.

  Aslaug leaned into Lilia’s shoulder. “I’m glad to see you well, my lady.”

  Lilia touched her face. “The bruises are about gone now. You should have seen my face before.”

  Aslaug licked Lilia’s face beneath her eye. “There, it will heal by morning.”

  Lilia giggled. “That was wet.” She rubbed Aslaug’s saliva into her skin. “Will it truly take the bruise away?”

  Aslaug nodded. “Truly, it will.”

  Trumpets sounded, and Queen Sola exited her palace. They looked up. She wore a dark purple gown, embroidered with silver and gold flowers, and upon her head sat an amethyst and silver circlet.

  Aslaug and Avila bowed. Lilia, Karn, and Ian did likewise.

  “Rise, honored guests.”

  The dragons and Lilia, Karn, and Ian stood. The Queen crossed the courtyard and stopped next to Aslaug. “So, this is the young dragon I’ve heard so much about. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Aslaug nodded. “And you my queen.”

  Sola glanced at the travelers. “It’s time for the trial, Karn. If you pass, you may leave. If not, I will find you permanent quarters.” She started down the street to a towering ivy-covered colosseum, then stopped, looking over her shoulder. “Follow me.” She turned to Avila. “Meet us in the center of the arena.”

  The trio followed, and Avila and Aslaug flew into the air in the direction of the colosseum. As their procession snaked down the path, elves filed in behind them, carrying penants, and torches. They were dressed in elaborate clothing, and many of the females wore floral crowns on their heads. By the time they reached the arena, the procession had reached all the way back to where it had started.

  Sola paused in front of two massive wooden doors decorated with black iron dragons, and her guards swung them open. The company followed her inside, and up into the stands.

  In the center of the arena, Avila and Aslaug watched as the elves filled the colosseum.Once everyone was seated, Queen Sola made her way to the center of the field.

  She waited for the noise to die down and addressed the crowd. “Today, we have Lorna’s champion and his chosen companions, as well as Aslaug student of Avila. The elves cheered.

  “Karn, Loch-rognaif of Lorna, and savior of Arcadia, please step forward.”

  Lilia squeezed his hand, as he passed in front of her, and quickly made his way to Sola’s side. The elves cheered, and he reddened, suddenly uncomfortable being in the spotlight. For a moment, he wished he was anywhere but there, but he smiled and waved.

  Queen Sola motioned for Avila to join them, and the dragon walked forward. “Elder dragon, the first dragon of Lorna, keeper of the knowledge passed on from the beginning, we ask that you test Karn of the clan Elohite, and prove that he is pure of heart.”

  Avila lifted a claw and touched Karn above his heart. Golden light flowed from the dragon’s finger and into Karn’s chest, knocking him to his knees. He writhed in pain as the dragon’s magic fought against the blue flame he carried in his veins.

  Sweat beaded on Lilia’s lip as she watched her beloved in such agony, and Ian started to ru
sh down the steps to Karn’s side, but Lilia held him in place. “No, we must wait.”

  Ian’s eyes flashed. “They’re killing him.”

  Lilia shook her head. “No, only if he doesn’t survive the magic.”

  Ian knit his brows. “What do you mean?”

  Anger filled Lilia’s face. “Queen Sola said she’d find a place for us if he doesn’t pass the test. I think she meant a place to bury us.”

  Ian’s heart thumped, as he watched Karn roll across the grass, hands on his head. Karn’s screaming voice filled the air, and Lilia started to cry.

  Aslaug ran to Karn’s side and looked up at Avila. “He is dying!”

  Avila made no sign she had heard her.

  “He will die!” Aslaug pushed past Avila and gently touched Karn with a clawed hand. The golden magic poured from Karn’s body and into Aslaug’s. She stumbled but remained standing. Karn’s screams stopped, and he crawled to his knees.

  Ian grabbed Lilia’s hand. “Open your eyes! Karn’s okay!”

  Lilia grinned. Aslaug’s body glowed gold, and her purple scales shimmered incandescently as the magic absorbed into them. “Aslaug’s taken it from him.” Lilia held her hand over her mouth, then clapped feverishly. “Way to go, Aslaug!” She quickly hugged Ian and released him.

  Aslaug smiled up at Lilia.

  Avila stepped forward, addressing Karn and Aslaug. “Aslaug’s actions have proven that Karn is true of heart.” Avila glanced at Aslaug. “A dragon would only sacrifice herself for a person who is pure and honorable.” She smiled. “Aslaug, you have done well.”

  Aslaug helped Karn to his feet, and he leaned against her neck, his strength returning. “That’s it then?”

  Queen Sola shook her head. “Not until you solve the riddle.”

  Karn sighed and rolled his eyes. “Oh, yes. Dragon’s love riddles, how could I forget.”

  Avila spoke loud and clear, her voice deep and gravely. “This is my favorite riddle Loch-rognaif. Inside the forest glade, I roam. My life once lived upon a throne. A crown of feathers as my guise, a sliver of magic within my cries. Hope springs eternal in my blush. All creatures bow before my touch. In answering true, you know your gift. And in my power, you will live.”

  A smiled traced Karn’s lips. “Dear dragon, the answer to your riddle is apparent to any true believer.”

  Avila shook her head. “And are you, Karn of the clan Elohite, Loch-rognaif of Arcadia?”

  The flame danced in Karn’s eyes. “I bear her mark, upon my arm, and her flame beats in my heart. Your answer, dragon, is Lorna, goddess mother of us all.”

  Avila bowed. “You have answered correctly, Karn.

  Avila touched Karn’s arm with an extended claw beside the full moon. His flesh sizzled, and the waning moon appeared, completing the triple moon symbol.

  Sola stepped forward, reaching into her pocket and withdrew a white handkerchief. She handed it to Karn.

  He opened it.

  “Inside you’ll find a seed from the rainbow eucalyptus tree. Plant it in the heart of your kingdom, and it will ever flourish.”

  Karn bowed. “Thank you, my lady.”

  Sola nodded slightly. “You may go in peace and join your mind with Aslaug.”

  Ian whooped in the stands, and the elves laughed. Lilia put her head in her hand, shaking it back and forth. “Oh, Ian.”

  He grinned. “What?”

  She chuckled. “Nevermind.”

  Queen Sola lifted her hand, silencing the crows. “Loch-rognaif, you have been chosen worthy.” She cleared her throat. “Is there anything the elves of Raesharc-ellen can do for you?”

  Karn bit his lips, and a knot formed in his throat. He swallowed hard. “Yes, my dear queen. I have one request.”

  Sola smiled. “Anything.”

  He spoke loudly, making sure the entire assembly could hear his words. “I ask that Dierdriel accompany us to the mainland, and become the fourth member of my company.”

  A collective gasp filled the air, and anger flashed in Sola’s eyes. She mumbled under her breath. “That’s impossible, Karn.”

  He stepped closer to her, cocking his head to the side. “You said, anything, my queen.”

  She inhaled through her nose; her lips pressed tightly together. “I did, didn’t I?”

  Karn nodded. “You did.”

  Sola pushed the anger from her face. “Meri. Release Dierdriel and send her to the dining hall. She will join us in our celebration before we send these travelers on their way.” Queen Sola, turned quickly, leaving Karn, Avila, and Aslaug alone in the center of the arena.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  COMPANION

  Mages from all over Arcadia and the island nations poured into the Dragon’s Keep. Every hour someone new arrived, and the acolytes were having a hard time keeping up with all the new people.

  Lucca ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He watched the bustle from high above out of his study window. “Lorna, there are more people here than I’ve seen anywhere.”

  She sipped on a mug of spiced coffee. “It should be expected. Everyone is anxious to meet the Loch-rognaif. There hasn’t been a chosen warrior in centuries.”

  Lucca closed the curtain and poured himself some coffee. He inhaled the aromatic concoction and sighed. “Honestly, I’m just as excited as they are.” His green eyes sparkled in the candlelight.

  Lorna pulled his hand. “Sit with me.”

  Lucca sat down and put his arm around her. “And how do you feel, my lady?”

  “I’m pleased.”

  “Well, you should be. You’ve done a lot to get prepared for this day.”

  “Yes, I did, but never alone.” She took another sip of her drink. “I’ve been thinking that perhaps we should recruit one of these trained mages as a dragon rider to join Karn’s riders.”

  Lucca cocked his head to the side. “Why?”

  “Well, Karn is powerful, but he has never been trained as a mage, although he serves the purpose well.”

  Lucca nodded. “A trained mage would know much more about the lore and legends, as well as the possibilities.”

  Lorna ran her finger around the rim of her cup. “Exactly. Have you met any of them that you would recommend?”

  Lucca chewed on a fingernail, as he thought about the mages he’d met. After a long minute, he replied, “There is one. His name is Ailin, from the land of Murias.”

  Lorna squinted. “Have I met him?”

  “I don’t think so. Would you like to?”

  Lorna set her cup down. “Yes. Perhaps you could take me to see him.”

  Lucca downed the rest of the liquid in his cup. “Absolutely. Let’s go. He should be in the assembly hall with the other mages.”

  Ailin scanned the pages of his journal, waiting for the head acolyte to usher him to his room. He was fourth in line and hoped the process wouldn’t take too long. He had already written about the trip from Murias to the dragon’s keep, and he was anxious to fill its pages with all the wondrous sights he’d seen so far.

  Ever since he was a boy, he’d dreamed about dragons, but had lost all hope that he’d ever see one, once he was old enough to realize that the dragons had disappeared from Arcadia a few hundred years before he was born. Now, Ailin’s excitement was threatening to bubble over and spill out.

  As he waited, he sketched a realistic depiction of a wyvern and sighed. He was so engrossed in his drawing that he didn’t notice Lucca and Lorna approaching.

  Lucca cleared his throat, and Ailin looked up, his eyes wide. “Elder. What a pleasure.”

  Lucca nodded. “I’d like you to meet Lorna.”

  Ailin’s mouth gaped open, and he rushed to his feet, nearly dropping his book, then bowed. “My, lady. It is an honor.”

  Lorna smiled and took his hand. “The pleasure is mine, Ailin.”

  His face beamed brightly.

  Lucca sat down on the bench. “I have a proposition to discuss with you.” He paused, “Or rather, we do.

/>   Lorna chuckled. “Yes, young mage. I think we’re going to make your dreams come true.”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  CHOICES

  Magnus closed his eyes, trying to push the decision he’d made from his mind, but it was ever present in the back of his thoughts. After weeks of searching, he’d finally concluded there was no other way, and in truth, no higher honor. T’argo had separated from his body, and flown off in search of food, leaving him alone to make the final preparations.

  Sconwin lingered at his feet; his red eyes watched every move Magnus made.

  Magnus exhaled deeply and downed a draft of dark bitter root mixed with a hefty dose of bella morte root, and hemsfoil then opened the book. He read the words aloud; each one rolled off his tongue in succession until he writhed in pain.

  Sconwin stood on his back legs and leaned his front paws on Magnus’ chest. He opened his mouth and howled a piercing cry. The red flame escaped his throat and entered into Magnus’ mouth and down his throat.

  The wolf fell to the ground lifeless, and Magnus’ eyes rolled back in his head, then his eyelids flew open. The red flame consumed the pupils and the whites of his eyes. He stretched, growing accustomed to his new form.

  He stepped over the wolf at his feet and left the study. He strolled down the corridor until he found Annielie’s room and pushed the door open.

  She sat in a rocking chair, nursing Tiervan. “What are you doing, master?”

  Magnus laughed. “I’ve come to see my priestess.”

  She knit her eyes. “What?” She looked closer into his face, she could see the change, but couldn’t put her finger on it.

  “You asked Magnus to serve me, did you not?” He arched a brow.

  “Elanvanin, my lord?” She placed Tiervan in his bassinet and crossed the room. She looked up at him and lightly touched his face. “Is it you?”